Levi Raleigh Brown
composer - performer
Levi Raleigh Brown (b. 1996) is a composer, percussionist, pianist, and banjoist currently based in Iowa City, IA. His music aims to examine the shared aspects of the daily human experience, particularly in the ongoing struggle between our idea of control and the universal pattern of change and uncertainty. Is there a balance to be found in our search for meaning and order amidst an unpredictable, even chaotic experience of the world? How does the daily, often unconscious search for this balance bring us closer together? Often crossing genres and disciplines, he explores these ideas musically with a sense of spontaneity, drawing from a variety of musical styles, and creating a juxtaposition between musical structure and wild antics which disrupt a fully rational or formal understanding.
Levi enjoys writing for a variety of ensembles and has had pieces performed by Arditti Quartet, Wave Dash, Maxine Thevenot, New Mexico Contemporary Ensemble, New Music New Mexico, Rosie Cerquone, Siren Duo, and the University of Montana Percussion Ensemble, among others. Levi also composes and arranges for jazz ensembles and combos, as well as a diversity of other styles.
Frequently performing as a percussionist, he has played with numerous chamber ensembles including New Music New Mexico, Moving Lines Ensemble, and Eudae Duo, which he founded with saxophonist Charlotte Leung. He has also enjoyed sharing the stage with visual artists and poets in collaborative performance. As a pianist, he has played with New Music New Mexico and was part of the jazz quintet Bopsque, as well as the Eddie Brewer Big Band and university big bands.
Originally from Montana, Levi earned his Bachelor of Music from The University of Montana and his Master's of Music from the University of New Mexico. He has studied composition privately with Dr. Patrice Repar, Dr. Karola Obermueller, Dr. Emilie LeBel, and Dr. Simon Hutchinson, and has had one-time lessons and masterclasses with Lei Liang, Kyong Mee Choi, Amy Williams, David Maslanka, Alex Shapiro, Anne LeBaron, Mitch Renaud, John Muehleisen, and Adam Vidiksis.